Herning Public Library wins best renovation prize

The Danish prize has been awarded to the extensive and impressive renovation of an old warehouse into a modern library to create a common cultural centre.

”The renovation of Herning Public Library is a great example of how, by renovating, you can completely transform a building's function to become a focal point in the community. The impressive number of visitors proves this," said Jesper Nygaard, managing director of Realdania, which together with GI is responsible for the RENOVER prize.

The main purpose of the extensive and impressive renovation of the old warehouse to a modern library has been to create a common culture centre for the citizens. And it has succeeded. Since the library opened in August 2014, there have been more than 375,000 visitors – significantly more than the library had in its previous location.

Rough New Yorker style

Herning new library opened its doors in August 2014 for a super modern decor that has transformed an old supermarket to a rough New Yorker environment.

The building has four floors, the ground floor is the framework for the librarys primary services such as lending, culture, homework, scene, children's library and café. Meeting facilities and administration are located on the top two floors. The lower floor is called "The Deep", and here 90% of the library books are situated.

The design was carried out by Lammhults Library Design, in consultation with library staff. thedesignconcept is the UK arm of the design group.